A multi-regional based hybrid method for assessing life cycle energy use of buildings : a case study

Abstract

Although sustainable development in the construction industry has attracted much attention, relevant studies on the regional scale analysis of industrial energy performance are still rare in China, especially for Guangdong province, which is currently on the frontier and fast track of national low-carbon development. In response, this study integrates a multi-regional input-output method with field-based operational data to quantify the total embodied energy consumption and energy transfers from the construction industry and assess the life cycle energy use of residential and office buildings in Guangdong Province. The results show that the embodied energy consumption of the provincial construction industry is localization dominant and fossil fuel oriented, which accounts for approximately 18.6% of the total regional energy consumption. The geographical connection and resource characteristic are the two factors that influence the interregional energy transmissions induced by construction activities in Guangdong province. The result of uncertainty analysis indicates that the mean value of energy intensities simulated by Monte Carlo simulation is highly consistent with the deterministic results. It is crucial to improve the accuracy of the input-output analysis by providing sufficient economic information. At last, a number of recommendations are given through the technology, product, and management aspects at the industrial and building levels. The local government and construction department can benefit from implementing such environment-friendly, technology innovative and multi-disciplinary solutions in the full-process management and improvement of energy reduction of buildings.